For anyone interested in Arctic Exploration, I highly recommend the book "The Worst Journey in the World" by Apsley Cherry-Garrard [1]

It tells the story of Scott's 1910-1913 attempt to become the first to the South Pole.

I can honestly say this is the most extreme expedition I've ever read about. Simply mind blowing.

[1] http://www.amazon.com/dp/1619491877/?tag=roadchoseme-20